WILLIAMS—Coconino County announced that the 2.1 million Cataract Lake County Park will open on April 13th. The funds to renovate the park were derived from the Coconino Parks and Open Space sales tax program approved by county voters in 2002.

Mayor John Moore of Williams explained that the transformation of the old camping site into a day use area is not a loss for Williams. “I personally don’t think that the loss of camping will bad. I think it will make a place for the locals, now, to go in for a day, have family reunions in some of the shelters and be able to go fishing.”

Fishing at Cataract Lake requires a trout stamp. There are still camp site on the south-east area of Cataract Lake which can be accessed by taking Cataract Road to Copper Ranch Road. As of this writing, that camping area is closed for the season.

“It’s a county park operated by the City of Williams,” Mayor Moore added.

County Parks and Recreation Director Judy Weiss said, “The renovation of Cataract Lake County Park is our new model of park operation that we have implemented to provide quality park amenities in the most efficient way possible.”

The $2.1 million dollars invested to redevelop the park was used for planning, development, design and construction of the site. The park features restrooms, a boat launch, two picnic ramadas, a playground, fishing areas, walking trails and horseshoe pits.

The County and City of Williams plans a barbeque from 11 am to 3 pm on April 13th to christen the new park.

Cataract Park is now one of the most premier lake-parks in norther Arizona,” said Carol Glassburn of the Williams Parks and Recreation Commission. “Nested in the pines, there’s something for everyone.

According to the concept plan, the park was scheduled to be completed in December of 2012

Matt Ryan, District 3 Supervisor representing Williams, said, “This truly is an investment not only in our county parks system, but in the Williams community as well. Visitors can now enjoy amenities while taking in breathtaking lake views.”